DOGS WORRYING SHEEP

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21845, 6 July 1934, Page 12

DOGS WORRYING SHEEP

PREVENTING THE TROUBLE DISCUSSION AT OTAHUHU Suggestions that drastic steps should be taken to stop dogs from harassing sheep in Sturges Park at Otahuhu were submitted t<? tho Otahuhu Borough Council last evening. In raising complaints that had been received, Mr. F. W. Grey said that some protection should bo given to the sheep which were grazing in the park under a lease from the council. He said workmen in the park had repeatedly had to chase dogs from the sheep, but they continued to return daily. Mr. Grey suggested that the council should instruct one of its staff to keep watch and to shoot on sight any dogs found in the park. The Mayor, Mr. H. T. Clements, said he thought Mr. Grey's suggestion would be going too far, as the council could scarcely give any man authority to use a gun indiscriminately.

Mr. A. Sinclair said Sturges Park was a public domain and not a farm, nor was the council engaged in fanning activities. It would be wrong to prevent residents from taking their dogs through the park for fear of having their animals shot. The town clerk, Mr. R. W. F. Wood, said the by-law concerned permitted the lessee or any council employee to shoot any dog found at large. The council could not prosecute the owner of any stray dog. Other members said they were against giving anyone authority to shoot dogs on sight, but agreed that something should bo done to check the worrying of sheep. The matter was referred to the Parks Committee to take steps to abate the trouble, without resorting to drastic measures.